The Cook Islands have been once again named the “Best Pacific Island Rim” destination, beating top tourist destinations such as Bora Bora, Bali and Hawaii.
At the fifth Annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards which was held at the Sofitel at Los Angeles Beverly Hills last week, the country was presented with the Global Travelers Magazine’s “Best Island – Pacific Rim” for the second consecutive year.
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation’s North America marketing manager Christian Mani accepted the award on behalf of the country from Global Travelers Magazine publisher Francis X Gallagher.
Mani said the Cook Islands was proud to win the prestigious award for the second consecutive year.
Receiving the award from such an esteemed publication both echoed and added to previous accolades amassed by Aitutaki as “the world’s most beautiful lagoon”.
“Winning the 2016 Best Island in the Pacific Rim award was an honour in and of itself – being voted by the readers of the Global Traveler Magazine for the second consecutive year is a true testimony of the people of the Cook Islands their warm Kia Orana spirit, and the pristine natural beauty of the Cook Islands,” Mani said.
More than 30 award recipients, including the best leisure destinations, cruise lines, resorts and islands, were honoured during the cocktail evening, held on Thursday last week.
According to the magazine, nominations in each category came from Global Traveler’s elite globility board as well as highly experienced magazine staff.
From these nominations, Global Traveler’s esteemed advisory board selected the final winners.
Launched in 2012, Global Traveler’s “globility” board consists of well-traveled subscribers who act as a direct link between the magazine, clients and the readers.
With nearly 250,000 readers, the Global Traveler Magazine connect with United States-based frequent, affluent international travelers.
According to MediaMark Research (MRI), the leading producer of media and consumer research in the U.S., Global Traveler Magazine readers have an annual household income of $372,900.
About 50 per cent of the magazine’s readers are chief executive officers and owners of companies.
Global Traveler Magazine readers average nine international flights per year, mostly in first and business class and 15 domestic flights annually.
Last year prime minister Henry Puna travelled to Los Angeles to receive the award on behalf of the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation. – RK
Best Island Pacific Rim – 1. Cook Islands, 2. Bora Bora, 3. Bali, 4. Tahiti, 5. Hong Kong, 6. Okinawa, 7. Phuket, Thailand, 8. The Big Island, Hawai’I, 9. Maui, Hawai’I, 10. Japan
(Source: Cook Islands News Local 29 May 2017)
